Cycling Mt. Wellington

Madeleine Fasnacht is the current U19 Oceania Road Champion, U19 National Road Champion, U19 National Time Trial Champion and she is leading the U23 Women’s National Road Series. Madeleine has also just returned from representing Australia in the Junior Commonwealth Games in the Bahamas where she won gold and bronze medals in road cycling.
This is her recount of cycling the iconic Mt. Wellington.

Hobart with Mt. Wellington in the background (Tourism Tasmania and Stuart Crossett)

Mt Wellington (Kunanyi), 1271m

There's something pretty special about living on an island like Tasmania. As a cyclist, you can roll along the coast with panoramic water views, traverse the streets of the capital city, and conquer an hors catégorie (HC) ‘beyond categorisation’ climb all in one ride.

Looming over the city of Hobart is Mt Wellington or kunanyi as it was known to the Muwinina aborigines. Its mood changes with the seasons as its emerald green beauty transforms into a gloomy snow capped silhouette in winter. But there is one thing doesn't change – and that's the challenge of cycling the twisting switch-back roads to the summit.

Whether you’re a pro-cyclist wannabe, a mountain goat at heart or just a person who loves a challenge, conquering Mt Wellington is an adventure that belongs at the top of your cycling bucket list.

An iconic starting point

There are many ways up to the summit road through the foothills of Mt Wellington and this article focuses on the most popular route starting at the famous Cascade Brewery in South Hobart. Note that this is the final time you will see 0% gradient displayed on your Garmin - so take a swig from your bidon, clip in and get excited because you are about to conquer a 1200 metre climb!

The iconic Cascade Brewery (Tourism Tasmania and Richard Eastwood)

After leaving the beautiful gardens and sandstone façade of Cascade Brewery the climb takes us onto Strickland Avenue, a road known to locals as the portal to the mountain. Your legs will soon wake up as you round a few hair pin corners and before long the temperature starts to drop with each metre of elevation. But do not fear - the local wildlife is never far away and trying to spot the wallabies, echidnas and bandicoots is always a fun distraction.

Pinnacle Road Junction

After 7km you've reached your first checkpoint at the township of Fern Tree (420m elevation). Here you reach the Pinnacle Road turnoff - the point where the weak turn around, but the warriors venture on. What will your decision be?

There’s only one decision though, right! You swallow the lump in your throat, raise your arm to signal a right turn, and point your front wheel … up. You’ll immediately pass a sign that says 11km to the summit with perhaps a combined sense of regret and deep satisfaction.

The road to the top (Caroline Sharpen)

Let the mind games begin!

As you farewell the final vestige of habitation at the hamlet of Bracken Lane, the narrow road to the summit beckons ahead winding beneath the canopy of blue gums that line the road. The local birds distract you from your heavy breathing and temporarily drown out the voice in your head telling you that you’re either:

an unstoppable athlete

hurting a bit

hurting a lot

completely out of your mind.

A kind person has painted the distance markers on the road surface so kilometre by kilometre the you’re reminded of how far yet to climb.

The ride to the summit (Tourism Tasmania and Heath Holden)

The Springs

After a solid 4km grind, you reach your second checkpoint at The Springs – the site of the famous Springs Hotel which was lost in the 1967 bushfires in Tasmania. Here you’ll enjoy the only flat(ish) corner on the climb and a short foray through the old hotel site and picnic ground.

The pinnacle is now properly in sight for the first time, but between you and it is an unforgiving slog. The switch backs are a distant memory and you emerge above the tree line on long straight ramps that are consistently north of 8%. Your effort will be rewarded though by the sight of the towering dolerite columns of the Organ Pipes on your left and increasingly breathtaking views of greater Hobart on your right.

It's a view that never gets old reminding you of the expanse and beauty of Tasmania's capital city.

A stunning view (Tourism Tasmania and Heath Holden)

The Chalet and Big Bend

If you have the pleasure of being with fellow cyclists, now’s the time to engage in a bit of friendly rivalry as the road gets steeper and the summit gets closer. One’s competitive nature can really come into play now so prepare yourself for some hurt!

Arriving at checkpoint three - The Chalet, always takes longer than you think but a good way to take your mind off your legs is to enjoy the new north western vista. Contrary to popular belief, the Chalet isn’t quite the ski resort you’ve been hoping for (more an emergency shelter that provides a little respite from the rain and snow). The important point is that the kilometres are ticking by and finally, you reach checkpoint number four – the aptly-named 'Big Bend' which is indeed a very big bend arcing over some 300 degrees.

Almost at the top (Caroline Sharpen)

Home straight

With the Big Bend behind you, you're now on the home straight. And just when you think it’s never going to end, the '1km to go' mark appears painted on the bitumen. At this point you are either going full gas to out climb your mates or you are keeping it together on the basis you’re only 1000 meters away from the most amazing view and/or it all being over.

One more curving ramp to go, digging deep to extract one more effort from your legs - and you've made it! You've conquered the mountain.

Mt. Wellington's stunning view (Tourism Tasmania and Heath Holden)

You’ve done it!

As you proudly dismount (quite rightly) looking a little bit smug, the tourists and visitors at the summit will give you a nod and a smile. They are impressed by your athletic ability (and possibly your weather tolerance) and deep down so are you. When you’ve recovered enough, I suggest you reach for your phone and take a photo or ten because the 360-degree view is incredible and you’ve earned every moment of enjoyment.

View from the top (Paul Fleming)

Tips for the descent

If you plan to ride back down to Hobart, make sure you’ve got some warm gloves and extra layers to put on – even in summer. Venturing down the mountain can be a thrilling and fast descent but the surface can get rough so do be careful over the bumps and on shady corners. Be sure to call in to Lost Freight, a boutique shipping container/cafe situated at The Springs. You deserve a sweet treat, coffee or light lunch after achieving such a feat.

If you’d rather enjoy the descent without stopping, then sit tight all the way to the bike-friendly Spokes Cafe in Sandy Bay where you can enjoy a healthy smoothie, coffee or a bite to eat.

A fitting reward

This is one of my favourite rides because of the challenge it presents and the sheer satisfaction you experience looking down to little Hobart from the summit...knowing that you have powered yourself all the way up!

Mt. Wellington (Tourism Tasmania & Gary Moore)

Are you up for the challenge?

We’re planning a Christmas ride up Mt Wellington with a coffee and treat afterwards. Are you up for the challenge? If you are, let us know. Dates are TBC but we’ll keep you posted. We’d love to share this magical ride with you.

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